PAM. 

SEAM. 


A 


SERMON, 

PREACHED  AT  NORTHAMPTON , 

BEFORE  THE 

Ecclefiaftical  Convention, 

CONVENED 

TO  CONSIDER  AND  RATIFY 

T H * 

CONSTITUTION 

OVA 

MISSIONARY  SOCIETY , 

ro  !\ 

PROPAGATING  THE  GOSPEL 

On  the  fifth  day  of  January  1802. 

By  Rev.  SOLOMON  WILLIAMS, 

Pallor  of  the  Church  in  Northampton. 


,^X>CXXX>C<>C<><XX><>(X>:>CXXX>C<XX><X><><XX><>'.>CL^ 

NORTHAMPTON, 

PRINTED  by  WILLIAM  BUTLER. 

1802, 


\ 


In  Convention, 


Resolved — That  this  Convention  return  their 
thanks  to  Rev.  Solomon  Williams  for  his  Sermon 
delivered  at  the  opening  of  the  Convention,  and  re- 
queft  of  him  a copy  for  the  prefs. 

Extracted  from  the  minutes , by 

ENOCH  HALE,  Secretary . 


A 


SERMON,  &c. 


M A T T II  E W,  ix.  36,  37,  38. 

B ur  when  he  faw  the  multitudes , he  was  moved  with 
compajfion  on  them , becaufe  they  fainted , and  were 
fcattcred  abroad  as Jheep  having  no  jhepherd.  Then 
faith  he  to  his  dfciples , the  harvcjt  truly  is  plenteous , 
but  the  labourers  are  few.  Pray  ye,  therefore,  the 
Lord  of  the  harvejl , that  he  will  fend  forth  labourers 
into  loss  harve/l. 

RELYING  upon  the  candour  and  patience 
of  this  refpe&able  audience,  I will  endeavor,  though 
unperfettly,  yet  faithfully  to  execute  the  talk  allotted 
me.  That  portion  of  Matthew’s  gofpel,  which  hath 
now  been  read,  may  furnifii  four  general  thoughts  for 
illuflration. 

I.  The  fpecial  ground  and  occafion  of  Chrift’s  com- 
panion. 

II.  The  manner  it  was  and  hath  been  exprefied  and 
exerciled. 

III.  The  ftatement  of  a double  fatt  momentous  and 
interefling — ioyous  and  painful. 

IV.  The  duty  incumbent  on  Chriftians  fpringing 
from  this  Ilatement. 

I.  The  fpecial  ground  and  occafion  of  Chrilt’s  com- 
panion. “ But  when  he  faw  the  multitudes,  he  was 
moved  with  companion  on  them,  becaufe  they  fainted  ; 
and  were  fcattered  abroad  as  fiieep  having  no  Ihep- 
herd.”  God  the  Father  remembered  us  in  our  low 
efiate  ; was  gracious  to  us  and  full  of  eompafiion  and 
fent  his  Son  to  blefs  us.  Jefus  Chrift,  moved  as  his 
Father  was,  came  to  feek  and  to  fave  that  which  was 


[ 4 ] 

loft — to  give  light  to  thofe  who  fet  in  darknefs,  and  in 
the  fhadow  of  death  ; to  guide  our  feet  into  the  way 
of  peace,  and  to  grant  us  the  knowledge  of  falvation, 
by  the  remiftion  of  fins,  through  the  tender  mercies  of 
God.  Pf.  136.  Pf.  in.  Matt.  1.  Luke  1.  It  was 
confiftent  with  Chrift’s  defign  and  congenial  with  his 
uniform  temper  now  to  feel  very  tenderly  for  thofe 
multitudes,  that  thronged  about  him,  and  followed  him 
from  place  to  place  ; willing  to  be  inftrutted  ; needing 
inftruftion  ; deftitute  of  wife  and  faithful  teachers  ; 
fainting  under  their  miferies  and  wearied  with  repeat- 
ed and  heavy  difappointments.  At  this  time  the 
Jews  had  a Miniftry.  They  had  the  temple  at  Jerufa- 
lem.  They  had  Scribes  and  Pharifees  and  Priefts. — 
They  had  Synagogues  ; and  the  Old  Teftament  wras 
read  and  explained  in  them.  Yet  thefe  Scribes  and 
Pharifees  made  void  the  commandments  of  God  thro’ 
their  traditions  : they  taught  for  do&rines  the  com- 
mandments of  men.  Matt.  1 5.  They  dwelt  upon  tra- 
ditions. rites  and  ceremonies.  The  weightier  and 
the  weightieft  parts  of  the  moral  law  were  paffed  or 
feldom  touched  on,  or  explained  away.  Their  public 
performances,  as  means,  were  not  calculated  ftrongly  to 
enlighten  the  mind,  deeply  to  imprefs  confcience,  thor- 
oughly to  purify  the  heart  and  effeftually  to  change 
the  life.  They  did  not  make  Chrift  their  model,  nor 
the  former  faithful  fervants  of  God.  Chrift  fpoke  as 
one  having  authority,  and  not  as  the  Scribes.  They 
did  not  ufe  that  found  fpeech  which  cannot  be  con- 
demned : they  did  not  preach  in  the  demonftration  of 
the  fpirit ; they  did  not  commend  themfelves  to  every 
man’s  confcience  in  the  fight  of  God  : they  did  not 
take  heed  to  themfelves  and  to  their  doflrine.  There 
was  no  pith  or  fubftance  or  efficacy  in  their  preaching. 
Their  unedifying  difcourfes  and  uninterefting  manner 
proved,  as  might  be  expe&ed,  altogether  inadequate 
for  preparing  men  to  believe  and  obey  the  truth.  The 
people  might  then  be  viewed  by  Chrift  as  fheep  fcatter- 
ed  abroad,  having  no  fhepherds.  None  that  loved,  fed, 
guided  and  protc&ed  .the  flock  of  God.  They,  that 
officiated,  cared  for  themfelves,  not  for  the  fheep  ; 
they  fought  their  own  temporal  emolument  not  the 

fpiritua! 


[ 5 ] 

fpiritual  and  faving  benefit  of  thofc  that  heard  them. 
They  werefo  ignorant  and  flothful,  fo  felfilh  and  vain, 
lo  unfeeling  and  faithlefs  that  flocks  without  fhepherds 
| could  fcarcely  be  confidered  in  a more  wretched  condi- 
tion. “They  were  as  fheep  having  no  Ihepherds.” 
Flocks  curfed  with  blind  guides  and  corrupt  teachers, 
are  in  a worfe  flate  than  deftitute  ones.  So  Chrid 
judged;  and  he  did  not  err.  Thofe,  who  have  none 
to  provide  rich  paduies  and  fal'e  folds  for  them  are 
proper  objefts  of  tender  compafhon.  4 For  without 
knowledge  the  heart  cannot  be  good.’l  Prov.  19. 
4 For  thePrieft’s  lips  fhould  keep  knowledge,  and  they 
fliould  leek  the  law'  at  his  mouth  : for  lie  is  the  mefle ti- 
ger of  the  Lord  of  Hods.’  Malachi,  2.  4 Where 

there  is  no  vifion  the  people  perilli  ’ Prov.  29.  In  the 
time  of  Ala,  king  of  Judah,  the  prophet  Azariah,  mov- 
ed by  the  fpirit  of  God,  in  urging  upon  him  a refolute 
adherence  to  the  good  ways  of  the  Lord,  thus  deferibes 
the  melancholy  condition  of  Ifrael  ; 4 Now,  for  a long 
feafon  Ifrael  hath  been  without  the  true  God,  and  with- 
out a teaching  pried,  and  without  law.’  2 Chron.  15. 
4 My  people,  faith  God  by  Hofea,  are  dedroyed  for 
lack  of  knowledge.’  Hofea  4.  God  denounces  an  heavy 
judgment  upon  Ifrael  by  Amos  for  undervaluing  the 
word  and  inditutions  of  religion,  and  for  choofing  the 
abominations  of  the  heathen.  c Behold,  the  days 
come,  that  I will  fend  a famine  in  the  land  : not  a fam- 
ine of  bread,  nor  a third  for  water  what  famine  can 
it  be  ? Can  there  be  one  more  didrefiing  ? To  thofe 
enquiring  how  they  lliall  come  acceptably  before  God 
there  is,  4 but  of  hearing  the  words  of  the  Lord  : 
And  they  diall  wander  from  fea  to  lea,  and  from  the 
north  to  the  ead  : They  diall  run  to  and  fro  to  feek 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  diall  not  find  it.’  Amos  8. 

When  the  Jews,  owing  to  the  mercy  of  God,  and 
a divine  influence  on  the  heart  of  thePerfian  Monarch, 
had  obtained  leave  to  return  to  Jerufalem,  and  had  en- 
tered upon  it  and  reached  Ahava  : Ezra,  not  finding 
any  of  the  foils  of  Levi  there,  reded  and  fent  back  to 
Iddo  at  Cafiphia  to  fend  them  Miniflers  for  the  houfe 
of  their  God.’  Ezra  8.  He  dare  not  proceed  without 
a diffident  number  of  able  and  pious  miniders  to  teach 

the 


C 6 j 

/ 

the  people  the  truth  and  their  duty— -to  be  examples 
unto  them  and  to  blefs  them  and  to  perform  the  vari- 
ous important  fervices  which,  by  divine  appointment, 
devolved  upon  them.  Without  thel'e  faithful  fervantshe 
feared  the  people  would  become  ignorant,  immoral  and 
idolatrous  and  lye  open  to  frelhand  heavy  judgments. 

The  commillion  which  Chrift  gave  to  his  difciples, 
called  Apoftles,  to  go  and  teach,  or  to  difciple  all  na- 
tions, teaching  what  he  had  commanded  them  : The 
care  of  St.  Paul,  tht  great  Apoftle  of  the  Gentiles, 
that  elders  fiiould  be  ordained  in  every  place,  where 
a chriftian  church  was  planted,  to  preach  the  good 
v/ordof  God’s  grace  : The  commendations  and  cen- 
fures  part  on  faithful  and  unfaithful  minifters ; and  the 
immenfely  important  confequences  of  the  evangelical 
miniftry  may  Ihow  and  convince  us  how  deplorable 
muff  be  the  fhite  of  thofe  places  deftitute  of  the  regu- 
lar adininiftration  of  Gofpef  ordinances.  It  is  not 
then  ftrauge  that  Chrift’s  companion  was  moved  and 
his  heart  pained  by  obferving  the  moral  condition  of 
the  j ews  : fcattcred,  fainting,  perplexed,  not  knowing 
what  to  do — to  whom  to  apply — what  to  expett — 
what  to  conclude  about  John,  Chrilt’s  herald — nor 
what  opinion  to  form  of  him  who  was  called  Chrill — 
how  to  underhand  the  prophefies  of  the  feriptures,  and 
compare  events  with  predictions ; characters  with  tlid 
deferiptien,  and  when  to  look  for  one  who  would 
bring  redemption  to  Ifrael.  There  was  abundant  occa- 
fion  for  his  compaflion  to  flow  forth  and  reft  upon  his 
own  people  ; who  did  not  know  what  an  infinite  mer- 
cy his  coming  was,  and  to  receive  him  as  the  promifed 
Mefiiah. — From  confidering  the  fpecial  ground  and  oc- 
cafion  ofChrift’s  compaflion,  I pats  fecondly 

II.  To  notice  the  manner  in  which  it  wras  and  hath 
been  exprefled  and  exercifed. 

When  great  multitudes  were  about  him,  far  from 
home,  fatigued,  fainting,  without  food,  he  provided  for 
them  ; healiug  all  manner  of  ficknefies,difpoflefling  per- 
fons  of  unclean  fpirits,  railing  the  dead,  preaching  in 
their  fynagogues,  adapting  his  miracles  and  inftruCtions 
to  their  circ.umftances  : as  it  was  feven  hundred  years 
before  declared  of  him.  “ Me  took  our  infirmities,  and 

bore 


C 7 ] 

tore  our  ficknefles  : Matt.  8.  Shewihg  that  lie  way 
the  mercy  promifed  unto  the  fathers  : the  perfon  of 
whom  Mofes  and  the  prophets  and  the  pfalmii't  did 
write.  Chrift  was  to  be  the  confolation  of  Ifrael,  the 
light  of  the  Gentiles  and  for  falvation  unto  the  ends  of 
the  earth.  He  came  to  deliver  finners  from  extreme 
ignorance  and  grofs  errors,  from  vain  hopes  and  fruit- 
lefs  purfuits,  from  groundlefs  and  deep  prejudices,  from 
criminal  excefl'es  and  flavilh  lufts,from  juft  condemnation 
and  everlafting  deftruttion.  lie  came  to  procure  a va- 
riety— an  abundance — an  immenfity  of  good  ; yea, 
eternal  redemption  for  finners  : To  offer  and  promife 
reft  to  the  weary  and  heavy  laden  : To  encourage  guil- 
ty and  periftiing  creatures  in  their  applications  to  the 
Father  through  the  Son  for  power  and  grace  : To  ani- 
mate hungry  and  thirfty  fouls  to  look  to  him  fora 
conftant  and  full  fupply  of  their  fpirituai  needs ; ai  d for 
a competency  of  the  good  things  of  this  life.  While 
here  none,  who  came  to  him,  were  caft  out  : none,  that 
applied,  were  fent  empty  away.  When  children  were 
bro’t  to  him  he  bleffed  them.  He  did  not  beftow  favours 
reluctantly.  He  was  a cheerful  giver.  His  com  path  on  was 
very  abundant.  When  blind  Bartimeus  cried  ‘Thou  for. 
of  David  have  mercy  on  me, he  called  him,  and  faid  unto 
him, go  thy  way,  thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole.  Matt. 
1 o.  When  one  deaf  and  dumb  was  brought  to  him  to  be 
cured,  he  took  him  afide  and  opened  his  ears  and  loof- 
ed  the  firing  of  his  tongue,  Mark  7.  When  one  came 
to  him,  kneeling  before  him,  and  faying,  Lord,  have 
mercy  on  my  fon  : for  he  is  lunatic,  and  fore  vexed  : 
Jefus  rebuked  the  Devil,  and  he  departed  cut  of  him  : 
and  the  child  was  cured  from  that  very  hour  : Matt.  1 7. 
The  apparent  reluClanceof  Chrift  to  relieve  the  diftreiT- 
ed  daughter  of  the  woman  who  was  a Greek  : or  rather 
the  delay  of  mercy,  proceeded  from  a defire  to  difplay 
the  uncommon  ftrength  of  her  faith  : Then  Jefus  anfwer- 
ed  and  faid  unto  her,  O woman,  great  is  thy  faith  : be 
it  unto  thee  even  as  thou  wilt  : Matt.  15.  When 
they  watched  him  about  to  heal  the  withered  hand  on 
the  fabbath  ; he  looked  round  about  on  them  with  an- 
ger, being  grieved  for  che  hardnefs  of  their  hearts : 
Mark  3.  He  exprefted  his  compafiion  when  he  cou- 
fidered  the  moral ftate  of  Jerufalem  and  exclaimed,  ‘ O 

Jerufalem, 


[ 8 3 

jerufalem,  Jerufalem,  which  killed  the  prophets,  and 
donefl  them  that  are  fent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I 
have  gatheied  thy  children  together,  even  as  an  hen 
gathefeth  her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would 
not : Matt.  20.  And  when  he  was  come  near,  he  be- 
held the  city,  and  wept  over  it,  faying,  if  thou  hadft 
known,  even  thou,  at  lead  in  this  thy  day,  the  things 
which  belong  unto  thy  peace  ! but  now  they  are  hid 
from  thine  eyes  : Luke  19.  Beyond  the  offer  and  the 
promife  of  good,  many  precious  aud  immortal  fouls  ex- 
perienced the  effectual  application  of  grace.  They  found 
that  his  word  was  quick  and  powerful  aud  fharper  than 
a two  edged  fword.  Many  have  found  themfelves  en- 
lightened, convinced,  renewed,  folaced  and  eflabliflied 
by  his  gofpel ; and  the  various  other  means  of  his  wife 
and  gracious  appointment.  He  gave  the  kindeft  treat- 
ment to  thofe  who  applied  to  him  for  inftru&ion.  Dark- 
ened minds  were  illuminated,  burdened  breads  were  re- 
lieved, weak  difciples  were  drengthened.  The  fmoak- 
ing  flax  he  did  not  quench,  nor  break  the  bruifed  reed. 
None  who  applied  humbly  regretted  the  application  and 
left  him  without  a bleffmg.  To  the  poor  the  Gofpel  wras 
preached. — Chrid  mud  return  to  his  Father  to  fliare 
the  glory  which  he  had  with  him  before  he  came  into 
our  world  ; but  he  would  not  leave  thofe, that  realized 
and  acknowledged  their  mifery  and  guilt,  comfor  lefs. 
He  made  datable  and  ample  provifion  for  them.  When 
he  afeended  on  high,  he  gave  gifts  to  the  rebellious.  He 
gave  fome  apodles,  fome  prophets,  fome  padors  and 
teachers  for  the  work  of  the  minidry,  for  the  induc- 
tion and  converflon  of  finners,  for  the  education  and 
damnification  of  faints.  To  render  means  effettual  and 
indruments  fuccefsful,  without  which  other  exprcffions 
of  kindnefs  and  compaflion  would  have  been  ineffe&ual, 
he  procured  and  engaged  his  Holy  Spirit,  as  the  prin- 
cipal agent  in  effe&ing  the  purpofes  of  infinite  wifdom 
and  love.  His  kindnefs  is  expreffed  in  furnifhing  and 
preferring  pallor-' — fpreading  and  fucceeding  religious 
truth — in  organizing,  upholding, inlarging  and  multiply- 
ing churches;  in  removing  difficulties,  Icattering  clouds, 
fubduing  enemies,  animating  the  friends  and  uniting  the 
minifters  of  Chrift  and  continuing  through  all  ages 

faithful 


[ 9 ] 

faithful  xvitnefTes  of  the  truth — in  adminiflering  grace  for 
all  occafions  which  arife  : fo  ordering  it  that  thofe,  who 
afk  a right,  may  be  thoroughly  furnifhcd  unto  every 
good  work. 

Marvelloufly  was  the  companion  of  Chrifl:  exercifed 
towards  ignorant  and  prejudiced  Jews  and  bigotted  and 
idolatrous  Gentiles  ; in  lending  forth  his  Apoftles  to 
preach  the  gofpel  to  both  and  to  turn  multitudes 
from  their  fuperftitions  and  idolatries  to  rhe  obedience 
of  die  truth.  His  compaflion  hath  been  exercifed  in 
preferving  his  Churches  from  dangerous  errors,  or  in  re- 
covering of  them  when  backllidden,  in  bearing  with 
their  mifcondutt  and  flow  and  final!  proficiency  under 
rich  means  ufcd  for  their  lpiritual  increale.  It  hath  ap- 
peared under  the  difeouragements  which  they  have  met 
with — the  flaarp  perfeculions  which  they  have  endur- 
ed— and  the  meafures  which  have  been  taken  to  fwcep 
them  as  with  the  befom  of  deflru&ion.  Chrifl  hath 
wrought  giorioufly  for  them,  cncreafed  their  friends, 
granted  them  lively  faith  in  his  word,  cloathed  them  with 
mighty  energy  and  remarkably  difappointed  and  crufh- 
ed  their  infolent,  unfeeling,  malicious  and  impious  foes. 
When  ruin  hath  appeared  to  be  inevitably  and  rapidly 
and  irrefiflibly  rolling  on  falvation  hath  been  appointed 
for  lfrael.  In  all  their  affli&ions  he  hath  been  afflitted  : 
the  angel  of  his  prefence  faved  them  of  old.  He  is  a 
merciful  and  compafiionate  and  faithful  high  prieft.  He 
knows  what  will  happen — he  is  above  his  enemies,  he 
prepares  feafonably  to  counteract  their  fubtle  and 
pernicious  eiTorts.  His  compaflion  is  rich  towards  the 
faithful  in  Chrifl;  Jefus.  He  compaflionates  the  wilder- 
nefs  and  caufes  it  to  flourifh — to  break  forth  into  joy  and 
rejoice  exceedingly.  He  turns  the  ignorant  and  mifer- 
able  and  corrupt  into  a people  to  his  praife.  His  com- 
paflion  is  not  leflened  by  pafl:  exercifes  of  it — by  pre- 
sent inflances  of  it.  It  is  rich  and  abundant,  overflow* 
ing  and  continually  flowing  anfwerably  to  the  exigences 
of  his  people,  and  will  flill  and  ever  flow  forth  like  a 
deep  and  mighty  river  to  the  end  of  time. — Which  leads 
me  thirdly 

III.  To  the  flatement  of  a double  faft  ; momentous 
and  interefling,  joyous  and  painful.  44  Then  faith  he  to 

B his 


t 1°  ] 

his  difciples,  the  harveft  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  la- 
borers are  few.”  A little  before  John  had  preached  the 
baptifm  of  repentance  for  the  reuiftion  of  fins.  He  call- 
ed upon  the  people  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come — to 
bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance,  becaufe  the  king- 
dom of  God  was  near  : i.  e.  the  coming  of  Chrift  was 
at  hand.  Great  multitudes  attended  on  his  miniftry. 
There  went  out  to  him  Jerufalem  and  all  Judea  and  all 
the  region  round  about  Jordan  ; And  were  baptized  of 
him,  confefftng  their  fins  : Matt.  3.  The  harveft  then 
was  plenteous.  They  feemed  to  be  a people  prepared 
or  preparing  for  the  Lord. 

When  Chrift  entered  upon  his  work  pubiickly,  John, 
fcnfible  that  he  mud  de'ereafe  and  Chrift  increafe — that 
a man  can  receive  nothing  except  from  above — that  he 
came  to  prepare  the  way  for  Chrift  as  his  forerunner 
and  fervant  and  muft  foon  be  laid  afide  and  behold  the 
unrivalled  glory  of  Chrift,  pointed  him  out  to  the  peo- 
ple as  the  Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away  the  fin  of 
the  vorld — who  fhould  baptize  them  with  the  Holy 
Ghoft  and  with  fire  : John  1.  Matt.  3.  Referring  to 
thofe  influences  which  he  would  beftow  on  thofe  who 
fhould  believe  on  him.  Many,  therefore,  regarded 
Chrift.  They  gathered  from  all  places,  and  followed 
him,  and  prefled  upon  him,  and  tarried  with  him,  and 
underwent  many  inconveniences,  were  patient  of  labour, 
fatigue  and  hunger  to  hear  the  word  of  the  kingdom. 
His  friends  thought  and  aflerted  that  they  were  derang- 
ed thus  to  follow  him,  continue  with  him  and  deprive 
him  of  fcafons  for  bodily  refrefhment.#  Once  an  in- 
numerable multitude,  malty  ten  thoufands,  gathered 
round  him  to  hear  the  Gofpel  : Luke  1 2.f  Noticing 
this  eager  defire,  this  ardent  zeal,  this  cncreaflng  third 
for  inftruffion  Chrift  informs  liis  difciples,  that  the  fields 
were  v,hife  already  to  harveft,  John  4.  He  declares  that 
from  the  days  of  John  the  baptift,the  kingdom  of  heav- 
en, had  fufiered  violence,  and  the  violent  took  it  by  force. 
Matt.  11.  This  ftrong  inclination  to  hear  Chrift  fo 
continually  manifefted  and  by  fuch  large  numbers  might 
be  called  an  harveft  feafon.  The  harveft  truly  was 

plot  eons. 

* Murlc  3,  co,  si.  ‘ He  is  betide  himfel:.’  The  Greek  may  refer  to 
the  multitude.  Ochlos  being  lingular,  and  the  mafculinc  gender  or  the 
common.  ■{  lone  tnuriadoUc  ton  ochlou. 


[ II  ] 

plenteous.  Though  all  that  heard  him  were  not  made 
wile  unto  falvation,  yet  many,  no  doubt,  both  marvelled 
at  and  believed  ths  gracious  words  which  he  uttered. 
His  do&rine  diftilled  as  the  dew,  and  dropt  upon  them 
as  the  rain.  He  was  full  of  grace  and  truth.  He  fpoke 
of  excellent  things.  His  inftruftions  were  better  than 
choice  filver,  yea  than  the  fined:  gold.  Many  fouls 
were  enlightened,  converted  and  fuftained  by  what  he 
taught  them  and  quickened  unto  life  eternal.  There 
was  now  a large  field  of  ufefulnefs.  A wide  and  an  ef- 
fectual door  was  opened  to  preach  the  news  of  falvation. 
There  was  a precious  opportunity  to  low  in  hope  and 
look  for  an  abundant  ingathering  of  fouls.  An  ample 
theatre  did  Jerufalem,  and  all  Judea  and  Galilee  afford 
for  Chrift  to  exercife  his  compaffion  and  difplay  the 
boundlefs  philanthropy  of  his  holy  foul  in  pouring  di- 
vine light  into  their  attentive  underllandings  ; deliver- 
ing them  from  fpiritual  bondage  ; in  eftablilhing  his  juft 
and  fupreme  authority  over  their  hearts  ; in  making 
them  a willing  people  in  the  day  of  his  mighty  power. 
This  feafon  was  momentous  and  highly  interefting  to 
thofe  who  had  fuch  an  heavenly  preacher  ; who  had  fuch 
excellent  do&rines  taught  them,  fuch  holy  precepts  en- 
joined upon  them,  fuch  fpiritual  fan&ions  enforcing 
obedience  ; who  faw  fuch  miracles  of  beneficence 
wrought  evidential  of  Chrift’s  million,  defign  and  com- 
panion : and  who  obferved  thofe  precepts  exemplified 
in  the  temper  and  life  of  this  friend  and  faviour  of  fin- 
ners.  The  harveft  was  alfo  plenteous  when,  after 
Chrift’s  afeenfion,  the  apoftles  preached  the  fame  gof- 
pel  firft  to  the  Jews  : and  many  were  convinced  and 
converted  by  it.  It  was  alfo  when  they  preached  the 
glorious  goipei  of  the  blefled  God  to  heathen  nations, 
who  were  dead  in  trefpaffes  and  fins,  and  they  turned 
from  dumb  idols  toferve  the  living  God. 

Palling  the  dark  ages,  it  was  alfo  plenteous  when 
early  in  the  ftxteenth  century  Luther,  Calvin,  Mel- 
ancion,  Zuinglius  and  a large  band  of  immortal  heroes 
entered  upon  the  important  work  of  the  reformation  j 
produced  a fpirit  of  enquiry — roufed  the  attention  of 
multitudes  to  their  Hate  ; who  had  long  been  enllaved 
by  the  craft  and  power  of  the  man  .of  fin  ; called  forth 

the 


[ *2  ] 

the  mighty  energies  of  the  foul  and  nobly  directed 
them — displayed  before  them  the  excellency  and  folidity 
of  evangelical  truth,  brought  them  to  the  belief  of  it, 
engaged  them  in  its  fupport,  ftrengthened  their  obedi- 
ence to  it  and  obtained  their  preference  to  the  fimple, 
elevated  and  fpiritual  worlhip  and  inditutions  of  the 
gofpel.  It  was  joyous  to  behold  thoufands  renouncing 
the  abfurdities  and  abominations  of  Antichrid,  framing 
churches  upon  the  model  of  genuine  chriftianity,  and 
jointly,  refolutcly,  pcrfeveringly  and  effectually  counter- 
acting the  meafures  of  Chrift’s  enemies  to  exclude  light 
and  truth,  religious  freedom  and  peace  from  the  chrif- 
tian  world. — The  harvedaf  different  times  has  been  plen- 
teous in  our  own  country  when  the  word  and  ordinan- 
ces of  Chrid  have  been  faithfully  adminidered  to  atten- 
tive, folemn  and  enquiring  affemblies.  When  our  con- 
gregations meet  in  or  out  of  feafon  to  worlhip  God  and 
hear  the  indruCtive  mcffages  of  heaven,  and  they  be- 
have as  being  in  his  prefence,  an  opportunity  prefents 
to  enlighten  the  underdanding,  to  produce  conviction — 
to  reClify  what  is  erroneous,  to  reform  what  is  vicious, 
to  dreagthen  what  is  weak,  direO  the  doubtful  and  to 
win  fouls  to  Chrid.  When  our  chridian  affemblies  are 
attentive  and  large  the  harved  is  plenteous.  While  fear 
arifes,  hope  animates  the  good  minider  that  the  power 
of  the  Lord  may  render  the  word  of  grace  efficacious  ; 
that  it  may  be  a favor  of  life  unto  life  unto  fome  if  not 
to  many  precious  fouls. 

Another  part  of  the  datement  which  Chrid  made  to 
his  difciples  is  painful.  “ But  the  labourers  are  few.’* 
After  Malachi  hadfinidiedhisprophefy,God  did  not  fend 
any  more  prophets  to  the  rebellious  Jews  for  feveral  hun- 
dred years  till  John  the  Baptid  : called  by  Malachi  Eli- 
jah the  prophet : as  he  came  in  the  power  and  fpirit  of 
Elijah,  Malachi  4.  The  Jews  were  vifited  with  moral 
teachers  whom  Chrid  calls  blind  guides, fools, hypocrites, 
ferpents — a generarion  of  vipers.  Matt.  23.  John  was 
a very  different  character.  He  was  a burning  and  a 
fhining  light.  He  taught  important  doCtrines  plainly 
and  fearlefsly.  But  he  was  alone.  Chrid  fucceedcd 
him  as  foon  as  the  end  of  John's  coming  and  minidiy 
was  aofwered.  He  came  a teacher  from  God.  He  fpalcc 

as 


r -3  ] 


as  none  had  fpoken  before.  lie  preached  righteoufnefs 
in  the  great  congregation — publifhed  the  loving  kind- 
nefs  and  truth  of  God  before  multitudes.  He  declared 
the  faiuulnefs  and  falvation  of  the  Lord  without  referve 
on  proper  occafjions.  Pfalin  40.  He  truly  deferibed 
himfelf,  revealed  his  defign,  Hated  the  conditions  of  be- 
ing intcretted  in  his  bleflings,  allured  finners  by  hiscon- 
defcenCon  and  love  to  their  duty,  and  cautioned  and 
warned  them  againft  unbelief  by  an  aggravated  con- 
demnation. Yet  he  was  alone. 

He  fent  out  the  twelve  difciples  with  a commiflion  to 
preach  and  to  work  miracles.  This  number  of  labour- 
ers was  fmall.  Then  he  appointed  feventy  and  fent 
them  forth  to  preach  the  gofpel  and  confirm  their  mif- 
fion  by  miraculous  works.  They  went  out — executed 
their  commiflion — returned  and  reported  to  Chrifl  their 
fuccefs.  He  owns  it  and  declares,  ‘ I beheld  Satan  as 
lightning  fall  from  heaven/  Luke  9.  Still  this  was  a 
fmall  number  of  labourers  when  the  field  was  fo  large 
and  the  harveft  fo  plenteous  : when  there  were  fucli  mul- 
titudes that  needed  inttru&ion.  After  theApoflles  and 
thofe  minifters,  that  wrought  with  them  in  the  kingdom 
of  light,  undertook  in  their  matters  name  to  chriftian- 
ize  the  heathen  world  ; the  whole  number  was  fmall 
compared  with  the  immenfe  field  for  evangelical  labors. 
In  fucceeding  and  in  later  periods  the  number  has  been 
fmall  compared  with  the  work  to  be  effefted.  It  is 
fmall  at  the  prefent  time.  Though  the  whole  aggre- 
gate number  of  thofe  who  labor  in  the  vineyard  of  our 
common  Lord  is  large  ; amounting  probably  to  feveral 
thoufands : Yet  what  is  this  to  the  vaft  multitudes  of 
fouls  who  live  in  total  or  partial  darknefs  ? It  has  been 
fuppofed  that  there  are  nine  hundred  or  a thoufand 
million  of  rational  and  immortal  creatures  on  the  earth  : 
that  not  more  than  fifty  millions  can  be  confidered  as 
proteftants  : perhaps  five  hundred  millions  are  grofs  pa- 
gans ; befides  Mahometans,  Jews  and  others  who  have 
no  faith  in,  if  any  true  knowledge  of  chrittianity.  What 
a mighty  difproportion  is  there  between  the  laborers 
and  the  field  for  work.! — But  I pafs  fourthly. 

IV.  To  illuttrate  the  duty  incumbent  on  chrittians 
fpringing  from  this  ftatement.  *•  Pray  ye,  therefore, 

the 


the  Lord  of  the  liar  veil  that  he  will  fend  forth  labourers 
into  the  harveft.” 

Ifaiah,  divinely  taught,  calls  faints  the  branch  of  his 
planting  ; the  work  of  his  hands,  that  he  may  be  glori- 
fied.’ Ifaiah  60.  Chrift  fpeaks  of  his  Father  as  the 
hufbandman  ; of  himfelf  as  the  vine  ; of  chridians  as  the 
branches.  John  1 5.  The  apodle  Paul  diles  believers 
God's  hufbandry  ; God  s building.  1 Corin.  3.  The 
Church  is  his  vineyard.  God  furnifhes  the  laborers ; 
fits  them  for  their  work  ; calls  them  to  it ; affids  them, 
blefles  them  and  accepts  and  rewards  them.  None 
Ihould  take  thishonor  upon themfelves and  intrude  them- 
felves  into  his  fervice  uncalled,  unfurniflied  ; but  fuch 
as  are  called  as  was  Aaron  ; and  as  was  Chrift  ; made 
an  high  pried  by  him  who  faid  unto  him,  Thou  art  a 
pried  forever  after  the  .order  of  Melchifedec.  Heb.  5. 
Chrid  chofe  and  fent  forth  the  twelve.  He  appointed, 
qualified  and  employed  the  feventy.  He  directs  by  his 
Spirit  how  ordinary  labourers  or  miniders  fhould  be  fet 
apart  and  introduced  into  the  facred  office.  He  pro- 
vides that  a fucceffion  of  able,found  and  faithful  ininif- 
ters  fhould  be  maintained  in  his  church  till  the  whole 
work  of  redemption  is  Unified,  and  the  Captain  of  our 
falvation  fees  of  the  travail  of  his  foul  in  bringing  many 
fons  to  glory.  Hence  the  luitablcnefs  of  humble,  fre- 
quent, joint  and  fervent  prayer  to  God  for  padors,  gifts 
and  graces  and  fucccfs ; for  a bleding  on  chofen  indru- 
ments  and  appointed  means.  We  fliould  alk  of  God  to 
fupply  deditute  churches,  to  compaffionate  the  w'ilder- 
nefs,raife  up  laborers, and  endow  them  with  that  various 
and  complete  furniture  which  their  particular  places 
and  trials  demand.  We  fhould  commend  to  God,  min- 
iders and  the  fchools  of  the  prophets,  and  the  churches 
and  infant  fettlements,  and  all  defires  and  propofals,  and 
meafures  and  efforts  to  encreafe  religious  knowledge, 
and  didufe  the  fweet  odour  of  gofpel  grace  ; to  extend 
the  limits  of  Chrid’s  mediatorial  kingdom  and  multiply 
the  number  of  his  faithful  people.  The  promotion  of 
thefe  valuable  obje&s  fhould  fend  us  often  to  our  clof- 
ets  ; pleading  for  the  profperity  and  enlargement  of 
/.ion.  We  fhould  pray  for  them  w ith  our  families ; and 
direct  and  animate  their  devotions.  Pray  for  them  in 


I '5  3 

the  fniall  knots  of  intimate  chriftians.  Pray  for  them 
iu  our  public  alfcmblies.  Pray  and  faint  not.  Pray  and 
not  be  weary.  Give  ourfelves  to  prayer.  Pray  with- 
out ceafing  till  God  hath  mercy  on  us  ; till  he  hears  the 
cries  of  the  deftitute,  and  appears  in  his  glory  to  build 
up  Zion. 

We  lhould  meet,  as  at  this  time,  and  feek  of  the  Lord 
our  God  a right  way  for  ourfelves.  Aik  wifdom  of  him 
who  is  wife,  who  gives  liberally,  w'ho  doth  not  reproach 
the  needs  and  weaknefies  of  his  children.  Aik  grace — 
more  grace  of  him  w ho  gives  his  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  defire  and  efteem  his  guidance  and  influence.  Aik 
a fpirit  of  love  of  him  who  is  love,  who  dwells  where 
there  is  holy  love,  who  has  all  hearts  in  his  hand  and 
can  give  the  very  fpirit  which  we  need  : That  different 
focieties  may  unite  and  harmonize  in  their  feelings, 
meafures  and  exertions.  Since  the  church  is  an  objedl 
ineftimably  precious  with  God — fince  Jefus  Clirifl  has 
purchafed  it  wnth  his  own  blood — fince  the  fwlnefs  of 
the  Spirit  is  for  the  good  of  the  church — fince  fuch  pro- 
vifions  is  made  for  its  inftruftion, comfort  & fan&ification 
by  the  inftitution  of  an  evangelical  Minillry  and  all  the 
ordinances  of  the  Gofpel — fince  fuch  Heps  have  been 
adapted  and  purfued  for  its  prefervation  and  increafe 
and  eftabliftunent  in  the  earth — fince  other  kingdoms 
and  empires  fubferve  the  church  of  Chrift-fince  changes 
and  revolutions  and  the  whole  work  of  Providence  re- 
fpect  and  eventually  advance  the  Church— fince  all  God’s 
merciful  defigns  towards  it  are  not  yet  eflfe&cd — fince 
much  is  doing,  and  much  remains  to  be  done — the  har- 
ve(t  is  yet  plenteous,  multitudes  are  yet  to  be  brought 
into  the  church  and  partake  in  its  rich  privileges  and 
high  enjoyments — fince  means  mull  be  ufed  and  inftru- 
ments  prepared  and  employed  to  bring  finners  to  the 
polfefiion  of  fo  much  fpiritual  good — fince  wre  know  in 
general  what  means  and  inftruments  are  appointed,  and 
how  fuccefs  may  be  rationally  and  fcripturally  expe&ed  ; 
on  this  folid  foundation  the  fuperftruciure  of  prayer  and 
exertion  riles  : We  may  and  mu  If  pray  to  the  Lord  of 
the  harveft  that  he  would  fend  forth  labourers  into  his 
harvefh  Our  addrelfes  to  the  throne  fhould  become 
highly  animated  by  reflecting  that  the  harveft  is  plente* 

ous 


[ i6  3 

ous  and  that  the  labourers  are  few.  To  aid  the  lead- 
ing objects  of  the  Miflionary  Society  formed  among  us 
in  September  laft,  and  now  convened  to  purfue  and  per- 
fect them,  let  ieveral  things,  if  plain,  yet  weighty,  be 
fubmitted  to  our  confideration.  The  obje&s  contem- 
plated by  the  Society  are  the  preaching  of  the  word  and 
the  adminiftration  of  gofpel  ordinances,  furnifhing  the 
means  of  religious  inftruftion,  fupporting  miflionaries, 
forming  churches  and  reducing  to  order  thofe  who  are 
wholly  unable,  through  fmallnefs,  poverty,  difunion  or 
prefent  difinclination  to  provide'  for  themfelves.  The 
new  plantations  and  the  Natives  fall  very  efpecially  un- 
der the  notice  of  the  Society. — Let  me  aik  you, 

I.  To  confider  what  a bleffing  the  Gofpel  is  and  the 
weekly  public  and  faithful  difpenfation  of  it.  A doubt 
of  its  being  a blelfing  reproaches  that  compallionate 
Jefus  who  commanded  his  difciples  to  go  and  preach 
the  gofpel  to  every  creature  ; promiling  that  he  would 
be  with  them  to  the  end  of  the  world.  Which  promife 
clearly  implies  that  the  chriftian  miniftry  {hall  be  up- 
held to  the  end  of  time.  Admitting  the  wifdom  and  love 
of  Chrift,  we  that  moment  admit  the  importance  of  fuch 
a perpetual  divine  inflitution.  All  prefent  may  have 
noticed,  and  the  mod  of  us  may  have  often  confelfed 
the  manifold  blelfed  clfetts  of  it.  Some  may  have  ex- 
perienced in  themfelves  the  fpiritual  change  and  hope 
and  peace  and  ftrengtli  which  the  word  faithfully 
preached  produces.  But  who  can  eafily  enumerate — 
who  can  readily  conceive  all  the  benefits  moral  and  tem- 
poral, perfonal  and  focial,  private  and  pubiic  accruing  to 
mankind  from  the  miniftry  of  the  word  ? Darknefs  re- 
moved— abfurdities  expofed — prejudices  fubdued — en- 
mities flain— lulls  mortified — vice  abandoned — con- 
quers made — triumphs  gained-arduous  duties  difeharg- 
ed — chriftian  graces  exercifed — peace  enjoyed — hope 
infpired — eternal  life  looked  for  of  the  mercy  of  God. 
Is  this  the  briefeft  fummary,  the  Ihortell  compendium 
of  Gofpel  bleftings  and  the  difpenfation  of  the  word  ? 
Willyou  not  defire  that  thofe, who  are  ftrangers  to  them, 
may  participate  in  them  with  yourfelves  ? There  is  e- 
nough  for  all.  Your  long  and  uninterrupted  enjoyment 
of  the  preached  word  cannot  produce  an  unwHlingneb. 

Your 


[ l7  J 

Your  blefledncfs  cannot  be  diminished  by  the  encreafed 
number  of  enlightened,  holy  and  happy  beings,  but  en- 
larged. Tlie  ratio  of  augmentation  will  be  in  a direft 
proportion  to  the  number  thus  benefited.  From  love 
then  both  to  yourfelves  and  to  others  I may  plead 
with  you  to  aid  thefe  great  objects. 

2.  Let  me  invite  you  to  look  into  the  condition  of 
thofe  whofe  caufe  is  advocated. — The  firft  bitter  ingre- 
dient in  the  cup  of  Sorrow  with  the  new  Settlers  is  the  re- 
flexion of  loll  bldhngs.  With  this,  owing  to  the  com- 
panion of  Chrift,  we  are  unacquainted.  The  ufual  ef- 
fects of  fuch  depravation  are  obvitms*and  melancholy. 
Being  deftitute  of  Suitable  inftrmftious  and  proper  teach- 
ers for  a confiderable  time  they  gradually  and  infenfibly 
loofe  what  they  once  knew — their  reliih  for  chriflian 
knowledge  will  languifh — their  fenfe  of  its  importance 
will  be  blunted — the  utility  of  divine  inftitutions  will  be 
disregarded — the  high  authority  of  the  Gofpcl  will,  in 
a fliort  time,  be  queftioned  at  leafl,we  may  fay,  that  the 
manifold  proofs  of  its  divinity  will  be  obliterated — its 
do&rines  will  not  be  thought  of — the  grace  of  the  gof- 
pel  valued — the  defign  of  the  atonement  difeerned — the 
difference  between  man’s  wifdom,that  periflieth  and  the 
wifdom  of  God  exhibited  in  the  crofs  of  Chrift,  will  not 
be  perceived.  Thus  the  way  will  be  prepared  for  er- 
rors of  all  kinds  to  Spread  and  continue.  Being  without 
regular  and  orthodox  teachers  they  will  foon  loofe  the 
virtues  and  negletft  the  duties  of  our  religion.  Their 
minds  uncultivated, their  hearts  hardened — their  families 
negle&ed,  in  a very  fliort  time  they  will  live  without 
God, without  Chrift, without  the  Spirit,\vithout  morality, 
without  the  Lord’s  day  and  fall  into  heathenifm,  and 
become  a generation  of  evil  doers  : ungofpelized  they 
will  be  uncivilized.  May  I Subjoin  that  Such  perfens  will 
Supply  abundant  materials  for  the  disorganizing,  refriefs 
and  unprincipled  to  ufe  at  their  pleafure,  to  arreft  the 
fteady  operations  of  government — to  difconcert  the 
raeafures  and  blaft  the  labors  and  hopes  of  thofe  who 
feek  not  tlieir  own  but  the  good  of  others.  Such,  un- 
relieved, unpiried  and  forgotten  by  their  chriftian  breth- 
ren,will  live  in  darknefs,  die  without  underftanding  and 
perifh  in  their  fms.  Like  your  compailionate  Saviour 
pity  them,  pray  for  them  and  help  them.  Their  con- 

C dition 


t *8  ] 

dition  may  not  yet  be  extreme.  That  extremity,  as  yet 
Providence  may  have  mercifully  prevented.  The  ten- 
dency to  this  extremity  has  been  arretted  in  its  progrefs 
and  the  whole  force  of  the  evils  refitted  by  well  directed 
miflionary  efforts.  Reflect  upon  the  numbers  fuffering 
and  that  mayberelieved.  In  ten  years  one  hundred  and 
thirty  thoufand  have  been  added  to  the  State  of  New- 
York  ; perhaps  fifty  thoufand  to  Vermont  and  fixty 
thoufand  to  the  Maine.  Very  many  of  the  plantations 
are  fmall,  weak  or  divided  and  unfupplied  ; filently  fo- 
liciting  the  efforts  of  brotherly  love.  Let  them  not  folicit 
in  vain.  Let  us  ttir  up  ourfelves  to  their  relief. 

3.  I obferve  that  we  lhall  not  labor  alone  in  what  is 
propofed. 

The  Moravians  in  Germany,  it  is  known,  were  among 
the  earliett,the  moft  zealous  and  perfevering  Mifiiona- 
ries.  Laboring  without  wearinefs — combating  great 
difficulties — encountering,  undifmayed,  ttrong  enemies. 
When  driven  from  one  place  they  have  gone  to  another. 
They  have  employed  140  in  carrying  the  Gofpel  to  the 
heathen.  From  their  own  printed  accounts, fufficiently 
attetted,  it  appears  that  in  1732  they  fent  them  to  the 
Danilh  Weft-India  Iflands — in  1733  to  the  frozen  re- 
gions of  Greenland — in  1736  to  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope — obftnntted  the  million  was  renewed  in  1792 — 
in  1735  to  the  Laplanders  and  Samoides — in  1737  and 
68  to  Guinea — in  1738  to  South  America  to  the  ne- 
gro Haves  in  Surinam — among  the  free  negroes  at 
Bombay — in  1740  to  Ceylon — in  1747  to  Perfia — in 
1750  to  Ar.tego — in  1795  the  congregation  of  difperf- 
ed  Haves  was  large — in  1752  to  Egypt — in  1760 
Tanguebar  was  fettled  to  chrittianize  the  Nicobar  iflands, 
but  the  defign  failed — in  1764  they  attempted  to  in- 
ftru<ff  the  Efquimaux  Indians  on  the  Labrador  coaft — 
in  1786  they  lent  a million  to  Barbadoes — alfo  to  Sar- 
epta  in  the  Ruffian  part  of  Afia  to  chrittianize  the 
Calmuck  Tartars,  and  other  Heathen  Tribes  but  with- 
out effett — alfo  to  Bafleterre  in  St.  Kitts — this  detail  of 
their  defigns  and  meafures  is  offered  to  lliow  how  very 
deeply  they  have  gone  into  the  bufmefs  of  Millions. 
In  November  1794  minifters  pf  different  denominations 
convened  at  London, to  form  a Miffionary  fociety  : they 
met  again  in  January  1795  ; and,  forgetting  different 

opinions. 


[ *9  ] 

opinions,  laying  afule  party  animofities,  with  wonderhd 
harmony  agreed  upon  and  prepared  an  addrefs  to  all  the 
people  in  the  kingdom  on  millions ; a iubjeft  which 
leemed  to  command  and  fill  their  fouls.  In  September 
1791;  the  fociety  was  formed,  the  bufinefs  was  purlued 
in  1796,  7,  8,  and  hath  been  to  this  time  with  pleafing 
profpe&s  ; not  at  all  times  and  in  all  places  with  prof- 
pe&s  equally  bright.  Miflicnarics  have  been  lent  to  the 
Iflands  in  the  South  Sea,  to  Sierra-Leona,  to  Otaheite, 
to  Tongataboo,  to  the  cape  of  Good  Hope  to  CafFraria, 
to  the  Eaft-Indies,  to  Bengal  and  Coromandel.  Owing 
to  the  extreme  corruption  of  manners  and  to  other  cir- 
cumltances  of  the  people  at  Otaheits  and  Tongataboo, 
the  million  has  been  attended  with  infupcrable  difficul- 
ties. Thefe  may  be  only  for  a feafon.  At  Citffraria  it 
has  fucceeded  beyond  expectation.  Dr.  Vanderkemp  of 
Holland,  a man  of  learning  and  of  wealth,  a little  while 
fince  a leader  of  infidels,  is  now  employing  his  time  and 
talents  in  this  work  among  the  Cafifees.  Q^her  foci- 
eties  have  been  formed  for  the  fame  beneficial  perpofe. 

In  Scotland,  Switzerland,  Germany  and  in  the  United 
Netherlands  : notwithilanding  the  ponderous  evils  S*! 
which  have  befallen  them  by  the  late  revolution.  The 
new  teftament  is  tranflating  and  printing  at  Bengal  in 
the  Bengalic  language.  It  is  read  eagerly  by  many  ; 
fome  have  renounced  tl>eir  grofs  and  ancient  fuperfli- 
tions  and  embraced  chriftianity.  A committee  of  a 
miffionary  fociety  of  the  eftablifhed  church  in  England 
are  tranflating  the  facred  feriptures  into  the  Chinefe  lan- 
guage to  circulate  them  through  that  immenfe  empire. 

There  is  a wide  and  an  eflfe&ual  door  opening  to  carry 
the  Gofpel  among  many  millions  of  ignorant,  idolatrous 
and  miferable  creatures.  Adverfaries  are  many.  Mock- 
ers and  fcoffers  in  many  places  are  bold  and  imprudent. 

Some  have  been  confounded.  The  obflacles, which  in- 
terpofe  to  the  execution  of  this  benevolent  work,  are 
many  and  formidable.  Yet,  to  prevent  defpondency, 
mountains  of  difficulties  have  yielded  to  the  mighty  pow- 
er of  divine  grace. 

During  this  memorable  period  America  hath  not  been 
wholly  an  indolent  and  unconcerned  fpeftator  of  thefe 
efforts.  The  Atlantic  hath  not  limited  this  noble  fpirit. 

Similar  focieties  are  formed  in  Maflachufetts,  Connecti- 
cut, 


[ 20  ] 

cut,  New-York,  New-Jerfey,  Pennfylvania  and  in  the 
Southern  States  under  the  direction  of  the  Prefbyteries. 
A&s  of  incorporations  have  been  obtained,  funds  eftab- 
lifhed  and  for  years  perfons  have  been  employed  to  carry 
to  our  infant  fettlements  the  bread  and  water  of  life,  to 
adminifier  gofpel  ordinances,  gather  churches  and  make 
ready  a people  prepared  for  the  Lord.  Thofe,  blefied 
be  God,  have  been  found,  who  have  girded  on  the 
liarnefs,  gone  into  the  wildernefs,  denied  themfelves  the 
fweets  of  domeftic  and  relative  life,  have  endured  fevere 
hardfhips,  abounded  in  their  labors,  and  all  thefe  for  the 
fake  of  precious  fouls.  The  New-York  fociety  have 
fent  a million  to  the  Chickafaw  Indians  ; and  to  the 
Tufcorora  and  Seneca  Tribes.  That  at  Albany  or  the 
Northern  fociety  has  fent  to  the  Oneida,  Stockbridge 
and  Brothertown  Indians.  Confiderable  has  been  done 
among  them.  As  much  or  more  th^h  was  expected. 
The  miffionaries  were  kindly  and  thankfully  received. 
More  maybe,  doubtlefs,  will  be  effected.  Prefent  ap- 
pearances juflify  the  obfervation.  This  though  unfore- 
seen difficulties,  unexpected  oppofition,  injudicious 
meafures  and  indifcrete  condut  may  have  diminifhed 
the  quantum  of  good  and  blafted  hopes ; but  the  faith 
and  patience  of  God’s  people  muft  be  tried  and  wifdom 
derived  from  experience.  Thofe, that  have  begun,  perfe* 
vere.  They  purfue  the  work  with  unabated  ardor  and 
encreafing  advantage.  New  focieties  are  forming  and 
copying  the  examples  fet  before  them.  Let  us  catch  the 
fpirit,  co-operate  with  our  brethren  and  further  exer- 
tions whofe  objects  are  the  liolinefs  and  happinefs  of 
our  fellow  men.  Seize  the  prefent  opportunity  to  do 
good.  But  whofe  caufe  do  1 plead  ? That  of  our  fel- 
low mortals,  our  fellow  citizens,  pf  our  acquaintance, 
once  our  neighbors,  our  friends,  our  kindred,  our  chil- 
dren. Shall  we  not  feel  very  tenderly  for  them  ? If  we 
love  ourfelves  fhall  we  not  love  them  ; and  prove  our 
love  by  our  works  ? If  our  connexions  are  not  among 
the  new  fettlers ; yet  let  me  plead  with  you  for  fellow- 
fin  ners  : whofe  deliverance  from  ignorance  and  infidel- 
ity  and  immorality  and  definition  is  an  objet  immenfely 
important.  Oh  ! to  compaffionate  the  fpiritual  difircfhs 
of  other*  : To  love  others  in  the  bowels  of  Chrifi  : To 
exemplify  the  golden  rule  in  our  treatment  of  thefe  our 

brethren  ; 


[ 21  ] 

brethren  ; doing  unto  them  as, in  like  circumftances,  we 
fhould  defire  them  to  do  unto  us.  Let  us  labor  and  not 
faint.  Do  good  and  not  be  weary  of  it.  Refill  the 
artful  devices  of  thofe  who  love  not  our  Lord  Jefus 
ChriJl.  Let  us  make  great  efforts  to  fave  fouls  from  the 
deltroyers,  and  augment  the  numbers  of  the  redeemed. 

But  contributions  of  monies  as  well  as  of  talents 
and  fervices  are  requisite  : which  leads  me 

4.  To  oblerve  again  that  this  is  a molt  noble  applica- 
tion of  your  furplus  property. 

Of  a part  of  that  abundance  with  which  a munifi- 
cent Providence  has  loaded  you.  -Apply  what  be- 
longs to  C.hrift ; you  receive  the  v hole  from  him,  to 
fupport  minilters  and  millionaries  to  prepare  fouls  for 
and  to  bring  them  into  his  fpiritual  kingdom.  Others 
have  already  contributed  of  a ready  mind.  The  miffion- 
ary fociety  in  the  counties  of  Berklhire  and  Columbia 
have  received  by  contributions,  donations  and  fubferip- 
tions  nearly  7 00  Dollars  and  have  expended  for  benev- 
olent purpofes  nearly  500  Dollars.  The  fund  of  the 
fociety  in  Bollon  in  May  1 800  amounted  to  1000  Dol- 
lars : fince  it  hath  increafed.  They  have  employed  fev- 
eral  miffionaries.  They  mean  to  expend  their  money 
as  fall  as  they  receive  it  if  they  can  do  it  advantageoully. 

The  Cone&icut  Society  have  received  much  aid  both 
private  and  public  ; from  individuals  and  from  public 
State  contributions  ; amounting  to  feveral  thoufand 
Dollars.  They  have  employed  a number  of  Miffiona- 
ries in  New-Conneflicut,  New-York  and  Vermont. 
The  lalt  year  they  expended  fixteen  hundred  Dollars  in 
this  good  work.  That  fociety  has  labored  more  than 
all  the  reft  in  New-England.  Much  good  has  been  efteft- 
ed.  Bleffed  fruits  have  followed  their  labors.  They 
have  received  the  thanks  of  many  and  been  remember- 
ed in  the  lincere  and  fervent  prayers  of  many  who  have 
thus  enjoyed  the  word  of  the  kingdom.  In  1800  the 
fociety  at  Albany,  organized  February  1 797,  had  in  their 
funds  more  than  a 1000  Dollars  ; to  be  employed  in 
fupporting  pious  teachers  among  our  deftitute  brethren 
and  the  Indians  bordering  upon  us.  This  fum  beyond 
what  had  been  ufed  for  effecling  thofe  purpofes. 

By  late  accounts  the  ftock  of  the  New-York  fociety 
amounted  to  nearly  1500  dollars;  beyond  what  had 

been 


[ 22  ] 

been  expended  in  fupplying  Mifiionaries  fent  to  differ, 
ent  places.  From  this  fliort  and  imperfeft  /ketch  it 
may  be  feen  what  has  been  appropriated  to  this  objed 
which  lies  fo  near  the  heart  of  God’s  children.  I might 
all'o  mention  that  more  than  10,000  dollars  have  been 
obtained  for  this  important  purpofe  in  New-Jerfey  ; and 
confiderable  fums  in  Philadelphia.  The  difpofition  of 
thofe  monies  has  not  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
writer.  In  this  connexion  it  may  be  pertinent  to  no- 
tice the  good  beginning  made  in  this  county.  The  mu- 
nificence of  thofe,  who  feek  the  profperity  of  Zion, 
fhould  not  be  filently  paffed.  The  liberality  of  many 
hath  abounded.  The  Lord  hath  opened  their  hearts 
and  hands.  Let  his  goodnefs  be  acknowledged.  Let 
his  influence  be  gratefully  adored.  The  glory  is  his. 
Let  a wife  application  produce  a rich  harveft  and  war- 
rant the  hope  of  future  aid.  I cannot  forbear  mention- 
ing a female  fociety,  lately  inffituted  in  Boflon,  and 
placed  under  difereet  regulations  for  the  exprefs  pur- 
pofe of  purchafing  the  mod  ufeful  books  to  be  diflri- 
buted  among  the  poor  and  ignorant  in  our  infant  plan- 
tations, according  to  the  direction  of  the  Boflon  Mif- 
fionary  Society.  An  example  this  worthy  to  be  men- 
tioned, to  be  recorded,  to  be  copied.  Let  me  warmly 
recommend  it  to  you  the  worthy  part  of  my  female  au- 
ditors. Go  and  do  likewife.  And  may  the  Lord  be 
with  you,  guide  you,  beftow  much  upon  you  and  blefs 
you.  I might  alfo  notice  that  the  Boflon  incorporated 
fociety  has  for  years  been  engaged  in  diftributing  neceffa- 
ry  books  among  the  families  at  the  Eaftward.  Let  God’s 
name  be  praifed  for  their  well  intended  and  wifely  di- 
rected charities.  What  we  do  conformably  to  fuch  pat- 
terns, let  us  do  it  heartily  as  unto  the  Ixird.  He  loveth 
a cheerful  giver.  Give  after  your  ability ; as  Gcd  hath 
given  unto  you,  and  to  the  circumftances  of  thofe  whom 
you  would  relieve.  The  widow’s  mite  may  be  as  ac- 
ceptable as  the  larger  gifts  and  bounties  of  the  rich. 
What  is  lent  to  the  Lord  he  can  repay  you  at  pleafureand 
in  feafon.  Your  fouls  for  it  may  be  in  more  abundant 
health  ; in  a much  higher  ftate  of  fpiritual  profperity. 

5.  Confider  w'hat  refined  and  exquifite  fatisfanou  it 
will  afford  you  to  refieCt  on  fuch  a difpofal  of  what  you 
have  defigned  for  the  benefit  of  pious  and  immortal  fouls ; 

/bidding 


r 23  ] 

lhielding  them  from  evils  of  various  kinds  rolling  in  upon 
them  like  a river  and  threatening  their  ruin.  If,  by  a 
bleffing  on  the  means  furniflied  by  your  liberality  to 
Chrift,  fouls  are  inflrudted,  converted  and  faved,  what 
heights  mull  your  joy  reach  ! 

6.  Confider  what  grateful  returns  thofe  poor,  be- 
nighted, enflaved,  guilty  and  periffiing  fellow  creatures 
will  make  you  ; if,  by  the  means,  which  fufficient  funds 
enable  us  to  ufe,  any  of  them  ffiould  find  the  gofpcl 
preached  to  them  is  the  power  of  God  and  the  wifdom 
of  God  unto  their  falvation  ? They  may  draw  down  bleff- 
ings  upon  yourfelves  and  upon  your  children  without 
your  knowledge  ; when  your  bodies  are  in  the  grave 
and  your  fouls  in  paradife.  The  journals  of  the  miffion- 
aries,  which  have  been  carefully  kept  and  accurately 
publilhed,  allure  us  of  the  hearty  welcome  given  them, 
the  kindneffes  which  they  received  while  on  their  mif- 
fion,  of  the  fucceffes  attending  their  labours ; in  reform- 
ing the  vicious,  awakening  the  carelefs,  convincing  op- 
pofers,reviving  family  religion, quickening  and  ftrength- 
ening  the  declining, and  in  gathering  churches  and  har- 
monizing the  difeordant.  Thofe  fame  Journals,  while 
they  relate  the  praifes  of  the  Lord  and  the  efforts  of  his 
friends, contain  urgent  requelts  for  a repetition  and  con- 
tinuance of  fimilar  favors.  In  O&ober  1800,  the  Tuf- 
corora  chiefs  fent  by  Mr. Homes  a milhonary  a very  re- 
fpeflful  and  grateful  addrefs  to  the  dire<5tors  of  the  New- 
York  Miffionary  fociety  for  their  purpofes  and  labors  of 
love  fhown  to  them  in  employing  him  for  their  inllrutt- 
or.  They  requeft  that  he  may  return  to  them,  live 
among  them,  teach  them  and  be  a bleffing  to  them. 

The  Seneca  tribes  alfo  acknowledge  the  goodnefs  of 
the  fame  fociety  on  the  fame  account  and  fend  a young 
man  of  their  tribes  by  him  to  be  put  under  the  care  of 
that  fociety  for  education. 

The  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Oneida  Nation  in  a 
letter  directed  to  the  Northern  miffionary  fociety  in  New- 
York,  October  1799,  return  abundant  thanks  for  fend- 
ing the  Rev.  Mr.  Crozby  to  labor  among  them,  for  the 
precious  inftructions  he  had  given  them  and  to  preach  the 
good  w’ord  to  them.  They  are  moll  importunate  in  re- 
queuing his  return  to  them,  his  conflant  relidence  writh 
them.  He  mull,  if  poffible,  gratify  them  ; remove  his 

family. 


family,  fpend  and  be  fpent  for  them  ; live  and  die  among 
them.  Let  thcfe  expreffions  of  gratitude  animate  you  in 

this  important  work.  ....  , ,• 

_ ^he  field  fcr  exertion  is  widening  and  extending. 

This  as  new  fettlements  encreafe  and  population  fpreads. 
Lon«,  probably,  will  it  be  before  occafioa  will  ccafe 
for  fuch  sffiftance.  Let  what  is  doneanfwcr,  m .-  degree, 
to  what  is  required.  Such  a proportion  is  dc  ightru.. 

8.  God  ufually  owns  and  fucceeds  more  or  lets,  toon- 
cr  or  later  the  fuitable  means  which  his  children^  and 
fervants  ufe  to  extend  the  bleflings  of  the  Gofpcl.  L 
Lord  is  with  you  wfiile  you  are  with  him  : and  if  you 
feek  him,  he  will  be  found  of  you.  Be  ye  Ih  ong,  tnere- 
fore,  and  let  not  your  hands  be  weak  ; for  your  worK 
lhall  be  rewarded.’  2 Chron.  15.  ‘ Pray  for  the  peace 

of  Jerufalem  : they  lhall  profper,that  love  thee.  Pfi  22. 

q.  Confider  that  if  you  employ  your  time,  youi  prop- 
erty, your  influence  and  your  abilities  from  obedience  to 
Chrift  and  love  to  precious  and  penflung  fouls,  what 
you  do  and  propofe  will  not  be  forgotten  and  unreward- 
ed. ‘ Cad  thy  bread  upon  the  waters  : for  thou  ihalt 
find  it  after  many,  if  not  in  few,  days.’  Lcclef.  1 1.  ms 
provide  yourfelves  bags  which  wax  not  old  a trealure 
in  the  heavens  that  faileth  not.’  Luke  1 2.  Let  us  t en, 
my  chriftian  friends,  brethren  and  fathers,  unc.er  the 
full  impreffion  of  thefe  folemn  and  weighty  thoughts 
animate  one  another’s  refolutions  and  invigorate  one 
another’s  holy  ardor  in  the  work  which  we  have  begun  . 
Let  us  be  diligent  and  judicious,  deadfall  and  immovea- 
ble continuing  and  abounding  in  it : Let  us  commend 
and  commit  cur  defire  and  purpofe,  our  meafures  and 
efforts  to  the  benediftion  and  patronage  of  Ghni  , 
and,  I doubt  not,  but  God  will  multiply  and  encourage 
the  friends  of  fuch  beneficial  undertakings  : but  the 
rood  Lord  will  blefs  us  out  of  Zion  ; and  we  lhall  fee 
the  greater  good  of  Jerufalem  all  our  days, and  peace  on 
Ifrael  ; and  that  the  blcding  of  fouls  ready  to  perith 
will  come  upon  us  ; that  light  will  arile  upon  them  who 
fit  in  darknefs,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  will  be  feen 
upon  them.  The  wildernefs  and  Mitary  place  lhall  be 
glad,  and  the  defert  Hull  rejoice,  and  blofiom  as  die  role. 
Yea  bloffom  abundantly, and  rejoice  with  joy  and  link- 
ing : The  glory  of  Lebanon  Avail  be  given  unto  it  ; 
theexcellency  of  Carmel  and  Sharon.  Many  fhall  lee  the 
glory  of  the  Lord,  and  the  excellency  of  our  God.  And 
let  all  the  people  lay,  Amen.  Come,  Loid  Je  us. 


